Anyone in or around the bay area in California?

My family will be moving there in May. Would be cool to do a meet up for a drink or something!

I'm a professional graphic designer / photographer so you could even book me for some new pics of your car!

 

I've been itching for a shoot for so long since i got my car. too bad it's so dirty. Which part of cali will you be moving to specifically? I go back and forth from SF to San Jose alot for school and work.

 

I'll know next week! (hopefully) ... fly down next weekend to find a place to live!! Right now... I'm homeless as of May 31st!

 

Ha if you're moving to SF and homeless you'll be fine. The news said SF was one of the best places to live as a homeless person. Must be why SF and cali is so broke in general though...

 

Join a bunch of like-minded MINI Enthusiasts at one of NorCal MINIs' upcoming events. Check out www.norcalminis.com.

 

I'm based in Pacifica, just south of Daly City. Would like to meet up and get a drink and talk MINI...

 

Welcome, I too am a Bay area photographer, even though most of my work is video and post production. Photography and Mini's go hand in hand, especially if I can close a deal on a WC50, then I might go a bit photo nuts with it.


Would love to grab a drink, maybe even a Mini photowalk....

 

Really! Thats awesome! I signed up for a couple photography groups in the area. Do you go to any? Clearly I haven't gone yet as I'm still in Seattle but I joined knowing when i get to Cali I want to jump right in! I hate being new and not having any friends! I'm leaving all my photo buddies behind boooo but thats ok... I'll make new friends... Friends with MINI's! HA

I'd love to peek at your work... if you are willing to share

I we totally should do a shoot! Would love that.

 

Not sure if I can talk the talk.. but my husband can... I dont know much about car stuff... but I know I LOVE the crap out of my MINI! HA

I can't wait to do a meet up! It will be great!!

 

Welcome to the Bay Area!

I live in San Jose.

Have you narrowed down to the area you want to live in though?

 

Another Bay Area MINI owner here. Also have been known to shoot a photo or two. (Check out flickr linky below.)
Let us know when you get situated. The Bay Area has LOTS of photo locations. A group meet/shoot is always fun!

Jim

 

I went to cali this weekend to find a house and man did I feel silly for even asking if there were any cali minis!!! HOLY COW like every other car is a mini!!! I couldn't believe it!!! Its not like that here (in seattle). I was like geesh! HAHAHA

Though I will say... all the minis i saw... I didn't see a single hot chocolate one!!! Glad I'll still stand out in sea of many lol

 

Ya...there are a lot of Mini's here. I'm sure you checked already...there are 4 Mini dealerships in the Bay Area. I recently dealt with all 4 of them to get the bid for my Clubman.

I think saw one hot chocolate color once....but yes, you're right, not many of those on the roads here.

Which areas were you at to search for a house? Are you planning to rent for buy when you first move here?

I live in the San Jose now. But grew up in Hayward. Feel free to ask any questions you may have regarding the different cities. I'll do my best to answer objectively.

And also I'm sure the folks on this forum whom lives in this area are also willing to help.

 

We are looking to be some were in the bay area...still kind of open at this point.... we need to be somewhere safe (we have to kids) ... no oakland lol

I like san fansico however the lottery school thing is AWFUL!

We are going to rent our first few years there.

I want to be where there is more heat... I know the weather can vary quite a bit...

would love some advice

 

May I suggest Central Contra Costa County and East Alameda County. Both areas are much warmer than SF, have excellent schools, rentals with property, and tons of MINIs.

 

thanks trico... I'll check it out!

 

Have you looked at Sam Ramon or Pleasanton or Dublin? These cities are more in east Alameda County. But anything past Livermore, I would stay away from because your commute would be far to pretty much anywhere in the Bay Area. These areas are hotter as well. Anything east of the hills of Hayward/Castro Valley will be hotter. I think Sam Ramon/Pleasanton area has pretty nice schools as well.

I don't think it is really that cold in the Bay Area and I've been living here for a long time so I'm pretty spoiled when it comes to weather...hehehe.

Where will you or your husband be working at? Don't want to commute too far/long. Bay Area traffic is pretty bad.

 

I have a friend that lives in San Ramon. And this is what he said, he has 2 kids:

All school districts in San Ramon are very good. There are no bad ones. The windemere/gail ranch area schools are exceptionally good.

 

Does anyone know if you are allowed to pick your kids schools in San Fran (public) I heard they pick where your kids go though a lottery? Is that still the case? Still trying to find a place to live

 

Yes, San Francisco public schools has a lottery system. You are not guaranteed that your child can enroll in the school you prefer. They made some changes to their enrollment process just this past year, but I'm not familiar with the details. Check their website: http://www.sfusd.edu/en/

 

I would recommend Contra Costa county. I live in Walnut Creek and the weather is warm and the schools are great. But, as mentioned earlier, it really depends on where your job(s) are as commuting distances will likely play a big part in your decision.

 

Well its official.... I have a house! I'll be in the castro/upper market area in san fransico!



I'll just have to do a private school for my kid-os

 

Congratulations on getting a place in that area! Great place to raise kids, one of the safer parts of the downtown area. When do you guys move in?

 

thanks joey! My husband will be there the 14th (of may) I'll drive up with the kids and two dogs (IN MY MINI) lol on the 26th!!!

I'm so excited!!! The house is super awesome and it has a two car garage!! CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT!! My girl doesn't have to sleep on the streets! lol

We went to castro when we were visiting trying to find a place and found some really cool shops and a great pizza place!

I hope to meet some fellow MINI'ists when I get there! being the new girl (family) kind of can be stinky lol

 

WOW you must have lucked out because I never see houses for rent around there with 2-car garages. Is it side-by-side or slot-style?